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-General common sense -Refrain from salads and uncooked foods. Try and stick to 'cooked' foods.-Be vigilant of where you eat meat/sea food preparations. I usually avoid roadside vendors- though it's true that some of them are more hygienic than some big restaurants (you can see the food being cooked right before your eyes.)- Try and stick to bottled water - Don't obsess too much.

I don't see why you shouldn't have alcohol. Also, I reckon the mouth closed in the shower is as effective as sporadically wearing a mask on a busy street.

Happy and Safe travels.

PS- Vietnam, Philippines and Thailand are South East Asia. South Asia connotes India, Pak, Nepal, Bdesh and Sri Lanka.

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

Excellent advice, re: meds in the carryon and a dr note for chronic illness. Also, good point about avoiding salads. Would never have thought about that. Bought 40% DEET today. I should be okay. Sex with locals isn't on the agenda, so no need to wear a full body condom, but I always appreciate a good snarky comment about my concerns re: my health and well-being.

All the advice above is great. Just be sure you have an escort or local in the Philippines, unless you are of that culture. I was long distance dating someone there and was ready to book my flight. He was great, but said I could not leave the hotel all day before he returned, and could not walk around the city alone. I am caucasion and an American. Be careful on that. Also, I would advise not swimming in rivers, only the open ocean, because of staph which we all are so acceptable too. All the countries you are visiting are beautiful though, and I wish you a good trip. Have a good doctor friend in Thailand should you get in trouble.

When I was in grad school I had to take a class on "tropical and neglected diseases.". Schistosomiasis was by far the class favorite. Worms/snails that burrow through your skin, migrate to your liver, and feast on red blood cells!!

I am from the Philippines. One thing, you are protected by law. Nothing to worry, just bring your prescriptions with you. The law guarantees that no one will be prohibited entry because of HIV or perceived HIV status. We also have HIV treatment hubs and doctors specializing on our "gift".

Although there is no travel restriction on HIV carriers in Hong Kong, I strongly advise you in no circumstances (unless inevitable, if one seeks medical help) should you disclose your HIV status to any locals since stigma on HIV/AIDS is very severe in Hong Kong.

The hypocritical attitude of being "non-discriminatory" towards the disease (an in fact towards anything that is abhorrent) is just an empty word: as long as "not in my backyard". Hong Kong people keep themselves up to date by showing the latest mobile phone but the mind of the majority still remained in the old dynasty. Maybe it is the same everywhere.

I have traveled to Vietnam, Thailand, and Hong Kong with my meds and had no issues with customs or immigration. I have breezed through. I would definitely recommend that you keep them in your carry-on for safekeeping just like anywhere when you travel. Make sure you bring enough with you in case of any delays.

Don't go around stomping through mud puddles and licking things, but I would say do not stress too much about dining and exploring. I have eaten a lot of street food and tromped through the wilds and not had any issues. Obviously there is some risk but you are there to enjoy life and experience what makes these countries so great to visit.

Of course, if you are the super nervous type, I recommend that you purchase insurance like MedjetAssist that flies you home if you do end up in a hospital. Great peace of mind to know that you can get home quickly and safely if something does happen.

Dude....I live in Thailand and I am poz as well. I brush my teeth with tap water, eat street food, don't wear insect repellent etc... The pharmacies here are excellent and are all staffed by english speaking college grads, and have everything and more, for cheap without needing a prescription. Everybody drinks bottled water here. The water served in a glass at even the crappiest restaraunt is purified. Just enjoy when you are here!!!!

I live in Thailand. Avoid crushed ice, it is very dirty when they made it. Hey make sure you get vaccinate for HepA/B, it is very prevalence here in SE.Asia. Stick to cooked food it is the safest, especially during the monsoon season.

I have traveled to Vietnam, Thailand, and Hong Kong with my meds and had no issues with customs or immigration. I have breezed through. I would definitely recommend that you keep them in your carry-on for safekeeping just like anywhere when you travel. Make sure you bring enough with you in case of any delays.

I traveled to these places with my meds inside my hand carry and never had any problem~~